The name Shadow Yoga is derived from the 6th chapter of the ancient tantrik treatise – ‘The Shiva-Svarodaya’ (the birth of the breath of life revealed by the god Shiva). This chapter, entitled ‘Yoga of the Shadow Man’, deals with the intricate manifestations of the shadow and their significance both inside and outside the human organism. The Ashtanga Hrdaya of Vagbhata , a primary ayurvedic text, also contains a chapter on the shadow which deals with diagnostic principles. There is also a story about Allama Prabhudeva, the initiating guru of Gorakshanath (one of the famous forefathers of Hatha Yoga), in which he describes the human body as nothing but layers of frozen shadows. According to Hatha Yogic anatomy the body is composed of three discrete bodies and five sheaths, (coverings or shadows). The practice of Hatha Yoga has evolved with the purpose of dissolving these shadows.

The teaching of the Shadow School is based upon the ancient Hatha Yogic texts, which state that all fixed forms should be designed to develop the practice of freestyle. Freestyle is a necessary step in the cultivation of longevity and enlightenment.

The four fixed forms of Shadow Yoga utilize the guiding principles of Marmasthana, (the Indian system of the 108 vital junctions of the body), to achieve the appropriate combination of positions and rhythmical movements to obtain an unobstructed movement of breath.

PRELIMINARY – BALAKRAMA

OPENING THE SHADOW – CHAYA VIVARANAM

MOVING(CHURNING)THE SHADOW – CHAYA YODDHA SANCHALANAM

CIRCLING THE SHADOW – KARTIKKEYA MANDALA

The four forms are the combination of various warrior (viraparampara) and sun forms (suryanamaskaras) which act as preludes for the asana-vinyasas (primary, intermediate and advanced). The prelude and asana-vinyasa are followed by the inverted asanas of the conclusion which lead into the practice of pranayama and other inner advanced processes like dhyana. The structure of this practice reflects the quintessential form of the gayatri mantra, which consists of prelude, mantra and conclusion (vyahrti, gayatri and siras).

hmmmm, that was a pretty vague website, it doesn't really look that different from your basic hatha yoga. Maybe it's the intent that is different. Is "disolving the shadow" so very different from bringing the mind and body into harmony?

I've always tought of yoga as an exercise to unite one's mind and body (Yoga means union in sanskrit). After many years of prctice what was an abstract concept has taken on new meaning. In any event I enjoy trying new types of yoga. I will be teaching classes in Wheee!ville before the heat of the day becomes too intense. Please stop by and maybe we can learn from each other!

I also plan to try and instigate random yoga happenings through out the city.

Being a relative yoganoob, I have to ask: will I be completely lost if I have only done Ashtanga regularly for 1 year and come to a Hatha class? Is it like martial arts where one risks pissing off the teacher by having a different style?

I am not sure if I/we will venture out to do our training or if we will just have morning sessions in our own camp, but I think that it might be fun to try some different aspects and learn together with different people! I recon that we will practice every morning in any case, so if you walk by a big silver tent with a lot of very measured, deep breathing, be sure to drop by! ;)

[quote="blyslv"]hmmmm, that was a pretty vague website, it doesn't really look that different from your basic hatha yoga. Maybe it's the intent that is different. Is "disolving the shadow" so very different from bringing the mind and body into harmony?
[/quote]

Sorry but I don't understand what shadow yoga is.
Is there a movie I can see online ?
I know hata yoga and others .... but can't get what exactly is the shadow.
I would love to try it though.